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Qatar 2022 World Cup: 7 Alternative Destinations

POLL: Which Alternative 2022 World Cup Destination Would You Prefer?
Samuel Luckhurst
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Fifa president Sepp Blatter's admission it was a "mistake" to award Qatar the 2022 World Cup will intensify pressure on his organisation to move the finals to another country.

A decision lambasted three-and-a-half years ago when both Australia and the United States were overlooked in favour of the Gulf state, although Blatter cited the heat when explaining the "mistake", Qatar's labour conditions and attitude towards homosexuality are both deplorable.

Here are seven possible alternative destinations...

2022 World Cup alternative venues
USA (initial bidder)(01 of07)
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The United States have come an awfully long way since Diana Ross missed an open goal at the 1994 World Cup opening ceremony. They didn't deserve it 20 years ago, but they would have been worthy winners in 2022. The States would be popular with travelling fans and its stadia, although not solely used for soccer, is impressive.It does, however, seem unfair to reward a country the World Cup less than 30 years after they first hosted it. (credit:Getty Images)
Australia (initial bidder)(02 of07)
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Australasia has never hosted a World Cup, and given Blatter's extraordinary quest to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, his chances would be enhanced by taking the finals to another continent. The Aussies have put on a show once already this century - the 2000 Sydney Olympics were a spectacular success.However, Qatar's heat has often been lamented since they were awarded the 2022 World Cup, and similar problems would arise in Australia. (credit:Getty Images)
South Korea (initial bidder)(03 of07)
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Twenty years after jointly hosting Asia's first World Cup, South Korea wanted to do it again. Along with Japan, Korea was a worthy destination in 2002, but, like with the USA, the recentness would probably work against them. (credit:Getty Images)
Japan (initial bidder)(04 of07)
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Similarly to South Korea, Japan's joint host venture in 2002 is unlikely to aid them, although Tokyo will host the 2020 Olympics.Countries that have hosted an Olympics and a World Cup close together include Sweden (1956 and 1958) Mexico (1968 and 1970), West Germany (1972 and 1974), Spain (1982 and 1992), the US (1994 and 1996) and Brazil (2014 and 2016). (credit:Getty)
England (2018 bidders)(05 of07)
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England have not hosted a World Cup since 1966, although it did showcase the European Championship 30 years later. A country boasting top-class stadia and basking in the glory of the London 2012 Olympics, England is a country well equipped to host a World Cup. Fifa's Anglophobia remains a problem, though. (credit:Getty Images)
Spain and Portugal (2018 bidders)(06 of07)
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Spain hosted the World Cup in 1982 and Portugal delivered a vibrant Euro 2004. Both countries boast excellent stadia and a genuine footballing history. (credit:Getty)
Holland and Belgium (2018 bidders)(07 of07)
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Euro 2000 was held in Holland and Belgium, a tournament marred by hooliganism. Belgium offered shoddy stadia at the time, and, along with Holland, their 2000 effort would hinder their chances. (credit:Getty Images)
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